At least seven people, including police officers and two civilians, were killed in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State during an attack by unidentified gunmen.
The incident reportedly took place at a venue where preparations for a burial ceremony were underway.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the assailants stormed the location in the early hours of Monday, opening fire indiscriminately, which led to a deadly exchange of gunfire between the attackers and security personnel.
Though the motive for the attack remains unclear, local sources speculated that it might be linked to a directive from the assailants prohibiting burial ceremonies in the community without their authorization.
One source explained, “Members of a family were making arrangements about the burial ceremony of their loved one, which was scheduled to be held on January 2, 2025. But as the preparations were going on, gunmen suddenly invaded the place and started shooting sporadically, and this led to a hot exchange of gunfire between them and some security operatives in the area.
“The hoodlums fired at some police officers at a security post near the Ihiala LGA, and in the process, some people passing by and some security officers were gunned down,” the source added.
The Anambra State Police Command’s Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack in a statement issued late Monday.
He revealed that the state Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam, has launched an immediate manhunt for the attackers.
Ikenga stated, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, has ordered an immediate manhunt of the assailants who attacked security operatives and unarmed civilians in Ihiala by 11.20 am today, December 30, 2024.
“The unfortunate attack resulted in the death of seven persons, among which are two unarmed passers-by. The Joint Security Team rescued one of the victims who is currently responding to treatment in a hospital.
“The CP, while on an on-the-spot assessment visit to the scene, interviewed some eyewitnesses about the incident. Information also had it that the armed men started shooting sporadically at a venue where preparations are ongoing for a burial ceremony slated for 2nd of January 2025.”
Ikenga added that while fleeing, the attackers shot two security personnel stationed at a post near the Ihiala LGA headquarters along the Express Road.
Offering his condolences, the commissioner vowed to apprehend those responsible for the atrocity.
“To this end, the CP extends his condolences to the families and friends, especially the good people of Ihiala, over the sad incident. He further assured that the perpetrators of this heinous crime would be hunted down,” he said.
